How to Become a Training Provider

CareerSource Pinellas uses a list of approved providers to deliver various services to eligible Pinellas County residents. At CareerSource Pinellas we can help match your skills with jobs that are currently in demand. If additional training is required, we can help with tuition and other assistance needed to further your goals.

Training Provider Application
CareerSource Pinellas invites all organizations or individuals interested in becoming an approved provider to submit an application. We have an open and on-going application process. CareerSource Pinellas will review the application and make a determination for a contract. A site visit will be conducted as part of the approval process. All training providers and each course to be offered are subject to approval by the CareerSource Pinellas Board of Directors.

The institution's approval as a qualified occupational skills training provider will not guarantee that participants will be referred by staff for training. Any and all referrals will be based upon the decision of staff after reviewing an assessment of the client's aptitudes, abilities, geographic location, interests, costs, and other relevant information.

Eligibility Criteria
In accordance with CareerSource Pinellas’ Procurement, Approval and Maintenance of Training Providers and Programs Policy (Policy) click here, occupational training providers are required to participate in a competitive procurement process to become an eligible training institution. To be eligible for inclusion on CareerSource Pinellas’ approved list, minimum criteria requires:

Preliminary Requirements

The Training Provider must submit a Training Provider application which is complete and accurate with all required attachments.

The Training Provider must agree to report student data for each approved program to the FETPIP in a timely manner. FS 445.004(9)(e).

The Training Provider must agree to refund CareerSource Pinellas any tuition costs, fees, etc., based on the Training Provider's established written policy in the event a CareerSource Pinellas funded student exits prior to completion.

The Training Provider must agree not to offer unlawful remuneration to attract students. FS 445.009(8)(b).

The Training Provider must meet the requirements outlined in WIOA Sec.122 Identification of Eligible Providers of Training Services.

The Training Provider must agree to not subcontract the delivery of the training and shall be directly responsible for provision of training.

Unless approved, the Training Provider must agree that it will not approach customers within any CareerSource Pinellas facility to solicit enrollment.

The Training Provider shall not be debarred or suspended as a Training Provider thru education programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Training Provider must have been in business in the State of Florida for at least two years.

The Training Provider may propose only programs that are (1) on the regional targeted occupations list, and (2) allow the issuance of credentials upon training completion (certificate, degree, and diploma).

The Training Provider must post all program costs on the institution's website for public view. These costs must clearly define tuition, fees and other associated costs.

The Training Provider must be able to demonstrate fiscal solvency.

The Training Provider must allow a site visit prior to final approval and meet ADA requirements.

The Training Provider must not submit programs for consideration that directly lead to long term degree programs.

The Training Provider must agree that the price charged to CareerSource Pinellas by the Training Provider shall not be more than that charged to the general public or any other workforce region in Florida.

The Training Provider must not create programs that target CareerSource Pinellas program participants unless requested to do so by CareerSource Pinellas.

The Training Provider must agree that all CareerSource Pinellas participants will be afforded the same information on financial aid options, scholarship opportunities and educational/tuition discounts.

The Training Provider must agree to provide Pell Program information, if applicable.

The Training Provider must agree to track and supply program completion and placement information upon demand.

Subsequent Eligibility Requirements

The Training Provider must continue to meet State and local performance standards.

The Training Provider must report any changes in the acceptance of federal financial aid, cost information, refund practice, etc. to CareerSource Pinellas in a timely manner.

The Training Provider must assist CareerSource Pinellas in the verification of employment within 180 days from the end of training for enrolled students receiving funding from CareerSource Pinellas.

The Training Provider must report out-of-state employment of students to CareerSource Pinellas.

The Training Provider must maintain all required licensing standards and proper accreditation and inform CareerSource Pinellas within 7 business days of any changes.

The Training Provider must remain in good standing with the requirements outlined in the Training Provider Agreement.

The Training Provider must maintain compliance according to all federal, state and local performance requirements.

The Training Provider must not create programs that target CareerSource Pinellas program participants unless requested to do so by CareerSource Pinellas.

The Training Provider must supply program completion and placement rates upon demand by CareerSource Pinellas.

The Training Provider must respond to renewal applications annually. A specific due date for completed applications will be included, and applications received after that due date may not be considered. The institution may be immediately suspended from the approved list by administrative staff and this information brought to the appropriate committee of the Board for review and formal action.

All applications will be competitively reviewed and rated by CareerSource Pinellas staff with recommendations presented at regularly scheduled committee meetings. Applications receiving a favorable recommendation will go before the full Board of Directors for final approval. CareerSource Pinellas will notify approved training institutions in writing of their approval or denial for inclusion on our local approved training provider list. Approval and subsequent addition to our list does not in any way guarantee the use or endorsement of programs. Referrals will be based upon the decision of staff, after reviewing an assessment of the client's aptitudes, abilities, geographic location, interests, costs, and other relevant information.

Complaints Procedure
Customers may file complaints, at any time, about a CareerSource Pinellas education or training provider. We ask that all complaints be submitted in writing and, at a minimum, include the following information:

The name of the provider, physical and mailing address, telephone number.

The name of the educational program or service received from the provider.

Contact information – phone number and mailing address – of the person filing the complaint.

A detailed description of the problem or issue; the reason for the complaint.

If approved as a training vendor, CareerSource Pinellas will provide an EO Notice that must be prominently displayed for participants to view. Participants should mail or email their complaints to April Torregiante, EEO Officer, CareerSource Pinellas, 13805 58th St. N., Suite 2-140, Clearwater, FL 33760, atorregiante@careersourcepinellas.com.

Disclaimer
Inclusion of information regarding any program of training services or any institution, organization or individual providing training services is in no way an endorsement by CareerSource Pinellas of that program, institution or individual. CareerSource Pinellas has included in this list information provided to it by training providers and does not guarantee the accuracy of the information.